Landing Zone Safety

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Landing Zone Safety

Setting up a landing zone is one of the most important aspects of an airmedical transport. It is essential that aircraft arrive and depart safely, while allowing the crew to land as close as possible to the patient.

Please note the following LZ safety information:

Surface and Dimensions

A hard flat surface is preferred for Landing Zones (LZ), and ideal choices include roads, parking lots, and fields. During day, the LZ should be at least 80' by 80'. For night operations, the LZ must be 100' by 100'. Please be aware the maximum slope of the ground cannot exceed 5°.

Hazards and Markings

When the Bayflite aircraft requests a LZ brief prior to arrival, please provide the crew with all hazards in the area to include wires, towers, street signs, poles, and other items which may be difficult to see from the air. Mark critical hazards with equipment or lightning if possible. For example, park a fire engine below powerlines that cross a road.

Strobe lights make great identification markings during both day and night. Flat orange or yellow panels also show up very well during the day. Please do not use crime scene tape to secure an LZ, as it can be blown into the rotor system. Also, during night operations, please do not shine headlights or spotlights at the aircraft as it can cause the pilot to lose night vision.

Aircraft Operations

The Bayflite crew operates under a sterile cockpit once the aircraft has been cleared for to land. While the aircraft is on final approach, please speak on the radio only to identify a threat or hazard to the aircraft; for example, a car that inadvertently tries to drive through the LZ.

Note that below 200' on approach and depature, the helicopter is commited to the landing at the LZ in the event of an engine failure.

The Bayflite pilot will guard the tail while the medical crew asesses the patient. In some case, the medical crew may require help escorting and loading the patient. Please note the following danger areas:

If you have further questions, you can contact the Bayflite Safety Coordinator: